Youthlife is a community charity based in Derry/Londonderry city centre. Youthlife’s mission is to ensure that no child faces loss alone. Youthlife offer counselling and support to children and young people aged 5-25 years who have lost someone close to them through bereavement or separation, using a trauma informed approach. We also deliver a range of mental health and outreach activities in schools and community venues.
Youthlife were established in 1992 by a group of parents concerned about the mental health of their own children following a bereavement. Youthlife is a registered charity (NIC 105568 and a company limited by guarantee, governed by a Board of Directors. Youthlife relay on charitable income and public donations to provide our counselling and art therapy services.
Youthlife are a small, local charity with just 2 part-time members of staff and a team of self-employed counsellors and therapists - but we have big outcomes!
In the past year - from 1st July 2024 - 30th June 2025 - Youthlife have scheduled 2305 1:1 counselling and art therapy sessions to 342 unique individuals. Clients usually receive 8 sessions.
Youthlife evaluation forms show that the young people referred to Youthlife for counselling and Art therapy state, that upon exiting counselling:
94.3% agree or strongly agree: I am feeling more in control of my life
90.2% agree or strongly agree: I value and respect myself more
90.6% agree or strongly agree: I feel I can cope more with everyday life
83.6% agree or strongly agree: My self esteem has increased
82.7% agree or strongly agree: I have made plans for the future
88.1% agree or strongly agree: I am managing my relationships better